Grateful in all things

Gratitude has definitely been a theme this semester. 

I'm not sure how it started -- but The Lord has definitely taught me to be a more grateful person!

When I wake up on these cold winter mornings, I've started doing this thing (before rolling over to pray) where I just lay there for a minute and list off the "reasons why today is going to be awesome." And it's so cool! I've started seeing things I maybe didn't see before... I recognize the people and tender mercies that get me excited about my day, and then at the end of the day I pour my heart out in gratitude for the simplest gestures and experiences.

It has hugely increased my positivity and perspective, even on stressful or hard days! 

Definitely a 10/10 would recommend. 

So here are some specific things that have made me grateful, positive, happy, and fulfilled these past weeks: 

Scripture study.
I am so grateful for personal revelation through the Book of Mormon. 

Who knew that the story of the Brother of Jared's family could contain specific dating advice?

Or that 4th Nephi could offer counsel on using social media?

Obviously those are specific examples of specific answers I've received, but overall I cannot describe the peace, understanding, and direction that I've received daily from reading this book.

As I study, I write. And looking back on what I've written -- it is the most tangible evidence of  God's hand in my life. When I read those entries in my scripture journal, there is no doubt that He plays an active role in my every-day. Heavenly Father probably told the prophets: "You're writing this for Christine Parks. She's going to need it Winter 2017."

That's how personal some of the chapters feel. 

And that personal love from God that I feel as I read from the chapters of the Book of Mormon stays with me! It's a tangible thing that I can carry with me -- whether it's on a quiet morning in my apartment before school or reading off my phone on campus during a busy day of classes.

I just love the Book of Mormon so dang much.


Next up: friends and roommates. 

 

First off, shoutout to Moroni for always being there to talk when I have a crisis and for enduring those studying marathons in the library with me. My life will never be boring with this kid around. 

And of course there's E-bro -- who always knows what to say, even when he's 98746238 miles away on an island off Italy. His wisdom and testimony have always been an example to me. I never, ever have to worry about this kid, he is just genuinely good and without guile!

Also: shoutout to Chandler George & Jared. With an engaged roommate I was thinking she and the fiancée would be largely MIA this semester... but boy was I wrong! We are like family. And thank goodness Chan is home when things like THIS happen!!! This horrendous beast dropped in front of my face while I was doing dishes. Somehow Chan knew by the pitch of my scream to come running with his shoe at the ready to kill, hahaha. Also he and Jared scraped my car when it had like 3.5 feet of snow and a solid inch of ice on it, they're the best. (even though one of my car doors was still frozen shut, hahaha oh Utah...)

Like who wouldn't want to have a fajita party on a Sunday evening?

Hahaha, I love Stephanie Wilkinson! It's just funny because normally she is perfect -- always whipping up these gourmet meals and being the cutest housewife-in-the-making. Then one day she forgot about the homeade pizza in the oven... I was dying laughing. 

And everyone rallied around to help me when I got like a 2nd degree burn on my thumb... this is why I don't cook!!!

Our FHE group went to the Bean Life Science Museum (I had never been either) and it was soooo cool! I found all these sweet shots of Bryce Canyon -- where Anna and I will be in July for our 1/2 marathon, woot woot!

Also: this 9pm - 12am study session with Dallin and Tyler is up there in funniest nights of my life. We were soooo out of it but determined to conquer all those flashcards before our Marketing midterm. #goodtimes

And I've re-learned the importance of "me-time" -- whether that's a rainy drive up to the temple, going running, just chilling, it's nice to pause without the noise of the world. 

And I am so grateful for my aunt and my cute cousins who come visit me and take me to Cafe Rio!! 

Also, so so grateful for these kids. My favorite is finding old pictures and remembering younger days. They kill me!! 

Remember when Miss Caroline was a sassy little thing and talked with that cutest lisp?? #adorable.

Hahaha I just love this one of Ricky. I remember that little chub's personality and mannerisms and I miss them!!!! Why do they have to grow up??

Dinner at Grandma's reminded me that I still have more fun at the kids' table than the adults'.

President's Day was so fun -- spontaneous hike that turned into snowshoeing.. except without the snowshoes? oops. But I loved it! So quiet and beautiful, even though I was missing my Oregon evergreens. 

And going to the temple with my FHE group!! Seriously, everyone in my ward is such a great example. I brought family names and we did sealings and it was definitely up-there for spiritual experiences as of late.

And snow's back so it's basically Heavenly Father testing me to see if I'll stay positive ;)

And sloooowly  but surely, prepping for that 1/2 marathon.

I'm grateful for the simplest things: honey nut cheerios with chopped banana, Mat Kearney songs, great talks in church, people holding the door for me, and trees decorated with snow.

And here's what my Saturday looked like. 12:30pm - 7:15pm. I was dang proud of myself, not gonna lie. I decided that sacrificing a little Saturday fun was important for my sanity... and 45 hours of Accounting later.. it was worth it. I feel more confident about round 2 of midterms! 

BUT THE REAL HIGHLIGHT OF THIS WEEKEND WAS.... BYU basketball and Eric Mika, the legend. SUCH a crazy game. 

Sorry, Gonzaga. We just destroyed your undefeated record and probably your pride, too.

AND ON YOUR HOME COURT!!!!

#proudtobeacougar

#braggingover

I am just so grateful! For literally everything. 

It all started waking up one morning with a little self-talk: 

"Alright, Christine. Reasons why today is going to be awesome, go!" 

I promise you'll find them, too. 

Midnight realizations

You know what I love? 

People. Conversations with people just make my day -- and often give me the answers I'm seeking. 

Example A: tonight. 11:52pm. It had been a crazy Sunday -- church, committee meeting, ward break-the-fast, singing at an old folks' home, new testament homework, facetiming, family history party, ward prayer, then popped some popcorn and finally I was in my sweats ready to crash. 

And then the Spirit reminded me... tomorrow's Monday... OH SNAP I DIDN'T WRITE MY MISSIONARIES!

So I hopped onto my laptop to shoot a couple suuuuper quick emails. One of my dear friends serving in Italy (Malta, actually) had asked me an inspired question and I began to answer it. Half an hour later, I felt like that email was a complete tender mercy. Technically I was giving this friend counsel for the huge transition he's about to make in a couple months, but it was like Heavenly Father was teaching me something...through my own words. Is that even possible? He works in mysterious ways... 

So here it is:

"Do I have a purpose in life? Good question… so being home is actually an incredible learning experience. Because you have to find your purpose again. I mean, on the mission it was easy. My purpose was: “Invite others to come unto Christ by walking around Piura, Peru in a skirt all day every day talking to every living soul I see.” Easy. Measurable. Clear. Done. 

Then you get home and suddenly free time becomes the worst because it’s this indecisive guilt-trip and you’re like WHAT THE HECK DO I DO??? 

Then you get through your first week and you start to get organized. You start with the small and simple things and learn how to translate those from mission life into real life. (i.e. sleep, exercise, prayer, scripture study, temple) You enjoy the flexibility of some things (like being able to actually exercise as long as you want and run as far as you want…ALONE.) and you hate the flexibility of some things (like scripture study because you’re confident you can keep up the 1-hour personal study and then your schedule's like…not happening.) 

After establishing the foundational habits, you start to feel like you got the hang of things. You start learning how to receive revelation for YOURSELF, you look back on the mission with so much gratitude, and start to like your new life. 

THEN THE CURVE BALLS COME.

Maybe you have days when you waste too much time on social media, or you realize you haven’t served anyone in way too long, or you’re distracted while you’re at the temple, or you flat-out get to bedtime and realize you haven’t read the Book of Mormon yet. And then you have a mental breakdown because school gets hard and you need a job and you need to figure out what to major in and who to marry. (jk on that last one) 

BUT THEN HEAVENLY FATHER SENDS YOU A REALITY CHECK.

Whether it’s through an impression during personal study, a talk someone gave in church, a conversation with a friend, or a professor’s comment….he gives you a reality check. He tells you that sorry, perfection isn’t achievable on your own. You can’t make unrealistic key indicators for yourself. And you need to stop comparing yourself. He kind of slaps you in the face and says "stop doubting" and helps you recognize the blessings, the growth, and all you’ve learned (from both the mistakes and from the successes). 
Then the spiritual experiences start rolling and the tender mercies increase by 450% (jk, they don’t increase at all, you just start recognizing them!!) And the journey becomes SO joyful — the ups, the downs, everything. I love post-mission life. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED the mission, but believe it or not, that was just a small taste of the blessings HF has in store for you. I feel like post-mission I’ve had an ever greater opportunity to rely on Him. In everything. I even find myself thanking HF for every trial and weakness I have. It’s so great. 

The best way I can put it is this: You get to create this new life with the best counselor, friend, and confidante by your side. 

Sorry, that was way too long. The point is: savor every moment you have left, but don’t get down, miracles never cease and life post-mission is awesome. 

AND HOLY CRAP WE ALMOST BEAT NUMBER ONE IN THE NATION GONZAGA IN BASKETBALL AND WE DESTROYED NO.2 UCLA IN MEN’S VOLLEYBALL IT WAS THE MOST INSANE EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE."

In all, life is beautiful. There are experiences on the mission that I couldn't have had anywhere else, but there are also experiences back home that I can't have anywhere else. God's plan is perfect.
(And side-note: can we all take a moment and enjoy how absolutely precious this picture is??? Love my brother!)


Happy Sunday, friends!